The Rugby Championship title may be wrapped up, but there will still be plenty at stake when the All Blacks face the Springboks in their final match of the competition at Loftus.
Coach Steve Hansen says there is always pressure on the All Blacks to win – and win well – and it would be no different this weekend.
In fact, the shock 36-34 defeat inflicted on his team by the Boks in Wellington two weeks ago made winning this week all the more essential for the world champions.
Hansen explains: “The All Blacks live under constant pressure to win.
“The life of an All Black is about nothing else but having to win.
“The expectations are we have to win every Test match and win it well.
“In that regard, nothing changes [this week]. It’s always important to not lose two in a row. The rivalry between the teams is a strong one and we enjoy it, and so far the Springboks are 1-0 up this year. We need to make sure we put out a performance we’re proud of.”
The All Blacks will surely be out to correct the result from Wellington, something Hansen admits still hurts, but was not at the forefront of his team’s thoughts this week.
He adds: “Like any hurt, time allows it to go away. But, it’s there, and it would be no different for the Boks [if they’d lost]... when they get beaten it hurts.”